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Minnesota Gopher 2012 offseason thread

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Re: Minnesota Gopher 2012 offseason thread

Hammy said:
I'm not one to get heavily into line discussions in July since it is hard to form accurate opinions on future possibilities without seeing what improvements are apparent in early fall practices. But I'd probably go with what mnstateofhockey said with regard to Warning. I like him on the 2nd line more. I think he'll have a nice jump in production this year with his speed and ability. I wouldn't complain if Condon was there but I like him and Boyd together on the 3rd line. I think they'd have a real advantage most nights together. I like the possibility of putting Connor Reilly in an offensive role. I think he'd be better suited for that than he would be on 4th line.

Ambroz needs to step it up this year. I could see using with him on the 2nd line but I'd have a tight leash. He is a good fit with his size and being a right shooter for that 2nd line but he needs to produce.

I'd keep Serratore on the 4th line. He doesn't have the offensive upside to be a top 6 forward on this year's team. Keep him in the spot that utilizes his best traits. Defense, physical play, and chipping in the occasional goal. I completely agree on Isackson being in that spot as of now. Tough call on Michaelson there. I like the speed but can he play the defensive, grit role that 4th line typically requires? TBD. Even though he has an advantage in experience over Horn, I may be inclined to say Horn could be a better fit in that role.

Either way, the top 3 lines will be a tough match up for opponents.
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Yeah July line speculation is done out of pure College Hockey withdrawal. ;)

I can see the point about Warning up on the 2nd line with Haula again this year, that would make that 3rd line with Condon and Boyd very tough to match up with on most nights. Either way this team should have some depth at both forward and defense which will be a nice change from recent years.
 
Re: Minnesota Gopher 2012 offseason thread

I am starting to remember why I stayed away from here after the season ended for awhile. The DUBBS just gets unbearable.....
 
Re: Minnesota Gopher 2012 offseason thread

JDUBBS1280 said:
I understand that you expect blind agreement with everything you say, but that's not how I work. I didn't realize discussion was such a bad thing. LOL.... OK :o
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1. He doesn't expect blind agreement.
2. What you're doing isn't called discussion. It's called throwing a tantrum.
 
Hammy said:
I'm not one to get heavily into line discussions in July since it is hard to form accurate opinions on future possibilities without seeing what improvements are apparent in early fall practices. But I'd probably go with what mnstateofhockey said with regard to Warning. I like him on the 2nd line more. I think he'll have a nice jump in production this year with his speed and ability. I wouldn't complain if Condon was there but I like him and Boyd together on the 3rd line. I think they'd have a real advantage most nights together. I like the possibility of putting Connor Reilly in an offensive role. I think he'd be better suited for that than he would be on 4th line.

Ambroz needs to step it up this year. I could see using with him on the 2nd line but I'd have a tight leash. He is a good fit with his size and being a right shooter for that 2nd line but he needs to produce.

I'd keep Serratore on the 4th line. He doesn't have the offensive upside to be a top 6 forward on this year's team. Keep him in the spot that utilizes his best traits. Defense, physical play, and chipping in the occasional goal. I completely agree on Isackson being in that spot as of now. Tough call on Michaelson there. I like the speed but can he play the defensive, grit role that 4th line typically requires? TBD. Even though he has an advantage in experience over Horn, I may be inclined to say Horn could be a better fit in that role.

Either way, the top 3 lines will be a tough match up for opponents.
Click to expand...

Totally agree with you on Horn being more suited to play a 4th line role than Michaelson. I have a gut feeling that Horn is going to really embrace that role and be a valuable role guy for us over the next four years. Kinda like Smaagaard was.
 
Re: Minnesota Gopher 2012 offseason thread

Different opinions and disagreement on message boards is normal. Folks should chill.

Driftryder said:
Yeah July line speculation is done out of pure College Hockey withdrawal. ;)

I can see the point about Warning up on the 2nd line with Haula again this year, that would make that 3rd line with Condon and Boyd very tough to match up with on most nights. Either way this team should have some depth at both forward and defense which will be a nice change from recent years.
Click to expand...

Its one of the reason I think you have optimism for the year. If the team shuts down the first, they also have to shut down the second. If they shut down the second, they also have to shut down the third. Frankly this could be one of those cases where a decent opponent strategy would have to be load up their first line and hope to counter punch the Gophers first line. Not an easy thing to do.
 
Re: Minnesota Gopher 2012 offseason thread

JDUBBS1280 said:
I understand that you expect blind agreement with everything you say, but that's not how I work. I didn't realize discussion was such a bad thing. LOL.... OK :o
Click to expand...

Yes... because I'm the only one here espousing such comments on this topic. :rolleyes:

I hate to break it to you but your agreement with me isn't (and never has been) any kind of priority.
 
Re: Minnesota Gopher 2012 offseason thread

mnstate0fhockey said:
Totally agree with you on Horn being more suited to play a 4th line role than Michaelson. I have a gut feeling that Horn is going to really embrace that role and be a valuable role guy for us over the next four years. Kinda like Smaagaard was.
Click to expand...

I think Horn really started progressing well as an overall player last season. It wasn't just about offense but an improving all around game. Besse got the offensive headlines on their team (rightfully so) but Horn is the more well rounded player. You can put him in different spots and he'll be able to handle it.

I'm not sure what to expect with Michaelson. I'm hoping to be pleasantly surprised. He has to find a role and some consistency. I've heard a rumor (and I want to emphasize rumor) that he has to do well in summer classes or else he might have to sit out first semester. Hopefully it all works out for him no matter what the case may be.
 
Hammy said:
I think Horn really started progressing well as an overall player last season. It wasn't just about offense but an improving all around game. Besse got the offensive headlines on their team (rightfully so) but Horn is the more well rounded player. You can put him in different spots and he'll be able to handle it.

I'm not sure what to expect with Michaelson. I'm hoping to be pleasantly surprised. He has to find a role and some consistency. I've heard a rumor (and I want to emphasize rumor) that he has to do well in summer classes or else he might have to sit out first semester. Hopefully it all works out for him no matter what the case may be.
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Good insight Hammy. Completely agree on Horn. I think the young man will be an asset in the locker room as his college career progresses as well. He's just a great kid.

Interesting about Michaelson. I certainly hope for the best for him too. Like you said, hopefully he finds a role on the team and succeeds. I have re-evaluated my expectations for him over the past few years, but considering the talent he has, I am hoping the right situation and coaching can help him realize his potential.

Adding on to the rumor you heard, I heard that he was planning to attend the Wild's development camp, but didn't inform his teachers until last minute, and the coaching staff at the U requested that he stay on campus and focus on his studies. Again, not sure how much, if any, of that is true, but I hope he gets everything taken care of before the fall semester.
 
Re: Minnesota Gopher 2012 offseason thread

Tiggsy said:
Maybe but I thought the whole UND thing earlier was a bit more entertaining then this.
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No doubt on that one! :D

There is a reason that it's the ________ fans that are trying to break that discussion up.:cool:
 
Re: Minnesota Gopher 2012 offseason thread

JDUBBS1280 said:
I understand that you expect blind agreement with everything you say, but that's not how I work. I didn't realize discussion was such a bad thing. LOL.... OK :o
Click to expand...

No he expects that you use a little bit of your brain and realize the facts behind the scenario you are dribbling the verbal diarrhea about. The dude was drafted 201st overall...the Red Wings are not going to be out for blood over anything the Gophers do with him. They are not gonna pull him out and pay him because they have no need to do so. Where will he play in the AHL? Yeah I am sure they want to waste money and a roster spot on him this early...all because he might play forward in college :eek:

The dude is not even close to any priority for the Wings at this point, I highly doubt they could even pick him out of a lineup if he was wearing his jersey. If you asked the GM about him I bet he would say, without hesitation, that they dont even expect Marshall to be in their system for 2 years. That is why he was drafted in the 7th round.

But hey, feel free to keep entertaining us with your 'theories" :D
 
Re: Minnesota Gopher 2012 offseason thread

Driftryder said:
Yeah July line speculation is done out of pure College Hockey withdrawal.
Click to expand...

Just like every season, expect numerous line adjustments from Lucia and staff. How 'bout this Dr: Guess how many line adjustments (not due to injury) including D pairings there will be between the beginning of the season Oct. 12 and March 9 and WIN a box of your favorite cigars.:D
 
Re: Minnesota Gopher 2012 offseason thread

HarleyMC said:
Just like every season, expect numerous line adjustments from Lucia and staff. How 'bout this Dr: Guess how many line adjustments (not due to injury) including D pairings there will be between the beginning of the season Oct. 12 and March 9 and WIN a box of your favorite cigars.:D
Click to expand...
If we are betting cigars, I want in on this action!:cool:
 
Re: Minnesota Gopher 2012 offseason thread

HarleyMC said:
Just like every season, expect numerous line adjustments from Lucia and staff. How 'bout this Dr: Guess how many line adjustments (not due to injury) including D pairings there will be between the beginning of the season Oct. 12 and March 9 and WIN a box of your favorite cigars.:D
Click to expand...

:) Well if Romeo Y Julieta's are on the line, let's go with 28 different forward and D combos.
 
Re: Minnesota Gopher 2012 offseason thread

HarleyMC said:
Oh well, college kids do crazy things...
roflmao.gif
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That they do!
 
Re: Minnesota Gopher 2012 offseason thread

That must be a different Haula... only angels play for the gophers

BTW, if anyone needs any extra halos there are plenty to share over on GPL right now...
 
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